Frequently Asked Questions - Rhode Island

1 Frequently Asked Questions advanced Coursework Network Information for District/School Leaders, Families/Students The advanced Coursework Network is designed to help districts and schools create opportunities for Rhode Island students to envision, pursue and complete their individualized graduation pathway. For additional Questions , contact .. Table of Contents Overview Pg 1. Academic: Courses, Credit and Transferability Pg 1. Instructors: Highly Qualified Educators Pg 3. Cost: Funding and Specific Course Costs Pg 3. Student Eligibility Criteria Pg 4.

2 Student Supports Pg 4. Information Access and Management Pg 5. LEA advanced Coursework Policy and Reporting Pg 5.. 1.. Overview .. What is the advanced Coursework Network? The advanced Coursework Network offers advanced coursework options for Rhode Island students with the goal of expanding access to advanced coursework opportunities that promote college and career readiness. The advanced Coursework Network will enable students and their families to choose to enroll in formerly unavailable high value academic- and career-focused courses while they remain enrolled at their public school.

3 The advanced Coursework Network is made up of Network Members, schools and districts that voluntarily chooses to extend the advanced Coursework Network opportunities to students, and Network Providers (school districts, Rhode Island based community based organizations or higher education institutions) that extends advanced coursework opportunities to Rhode Island students.. What specific courses will be offered through the advanced Coursework Network? Course offerings will include advanced science and math, world languages, . dual/concurrent enrollment.

4 , advanced . Placement (AP ), and/or career-preparation coursework and learning opportunities. 2. Academic: Courses and Credit .. What is the difference among regular high school or middle school courses and the advanced Course Network course offerings? Students participating in the advanced Coursework Network are earning credit toward their high school or middle school coursework requirements by enrolling in courses that are not traditionally offered at their public school. advanced Coursework Network courses will be offered in a variety of modalities, including traditional ( face-to-face), online, or a hybrid ( blended) courses.

5 The main difference is that the student will be taking courses provided by other LEAs, organizations or higher education institutions. advanced Coursework Network 1 courses have the same rigorous educational expectations and learning objectives as traditional advanced classes for high school or middle school students, respectively.. Are the academic rules different if the class is held by a Network provider school? No, the same rules apply regardless of location. Credit earned through an advanced Coursework Network option becomes part of the student's transcript.

6 For that reason, a course must maintain the integrity and rigor of advanced level work regardless of where, how or by whom the class is taught.. When does coursework count toward high school or middle school requirements? In Network member schools and districts, students can enroll in advanced Coursework Network courses to satisfy academic coursework requirements for a high school diploma or middle school promotion. Before registering for an advanced Coursework Network course, a student should meet with their school counselor to ensure the course will contribute to their school requirements.

7 It is a local decision how a Network course count for high school credit however as part of the participating in the Network, LEAs agree to grant credit for Network courses.. Which courses are available through the advanced Coursework Network? The statewide advanced Coursework Network course offering will be updated and published each year at . The 2016-2017 catalog will be published in February 2016. Students should check with their guidance counselor or school administrator to see if their school offers the course(s) they are interested in, prior to registering for a Network course.

8 LEAs may decide which courses from the Network are available to their students if not all. Check with your school or at . to see the course listings that the school has choosen as options. Additionally, students must meet the prerequisites (determined on an individual course basis). Space in the class is provided on a first come, first serve basis. Course offerings may include, but are not limited to: advanced Math and Science Courses: Courses may include Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Human Genetics, Calculus, and Trigonometry.

9 advanced Placement (AP) : College -level coursework that offers college credit if successfully completed. Learn more about the College Board AP program here .. Dual/concurrent enrollment: Dual enrollment means that a student is enrolled in a secondary school while simultaneously enrolled part time or full-time as a non-matriculating student at a postsecondary institution, such as a community college, college or university. Concurrent enrollment means a student is enrolled in a dual enrollment course that is offered at the secondary school and taught by a secondary school teacher who is approved by the postsecondary institution.

10 Upon successful completion of a dual or concurrent enrollment course, students earn credit at both the secondary school and the postsecondary institution offering the course. Career prep courses: Courses that result in the attainment of an industry-recognized certificate or credential.. What grade does the student need to receive for a Network course to count toward high school or middle school requirements? The LEA must determine and publish the grading policy for Network courses. The minimum passing grade for advanced Coursework Network courses will be listed in the course syllabus.